France Scales Up Its National Business AI Adoption Plan With a Push Toward Action

France is moving its national AI program from awareness to implementation. On September 3, 2026, the French government launched the next phase of its "Osez l'IA" (Dare to Use AI) initiative — a structured program designed to help businesses of all sizes integrate artificial intelligence into their operations. The plan was originally launched in July 2025 as part of France's broader national AI strategy.

After reaching more than 35,000 businesses in its first year through a network of 615 AI Ambassadors across 20 regions and 13 sectors, the program is now intensifying outreach toward companies that have not yet started their AI transformation.

Key Takeaways

• First-year results: 35,000 businesses reached, 88 AI solution providers referenced for SMEs, 70 Data IA Diagnostics conducted, and 54 published AI use cases on the government's "Accélérez avec l'IA" platform
• Next phase focus: Deploying 1,000 Data IA Diagnostics, expanding the AI solution catalogue, and launching new cohorts of the Accélérateurs IA program — an 18-month intensive that combines a 360-degree AI diagnostic, training sessions, and networking, with 46% of costs covered by France 2030 funding
• 2030 adoption targets: 100% of large companies, 80% of SMEs and mid-sized companies, and 50% of very small businesses using AI in some capacity

The program's structure — combining diagnostics with training and practical implementation support — reflects a common challenge in enterprise AI adoption: tools alone do not drive change. France's approach offers a scalable public-sector model for closing the gap between AI awareness and operational deployment.

Read the full article on Digital Watch Observatory